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Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife and classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, and their dog were found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home yesterday, February 27, 2025.
Details on the passing of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, come from local authorities, who say that no foul play is suspected (via AP). They were discovered during a welfare check that took place at 1:45 p.m., according to Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila. No cause of death has been revealed at the time of publication.
Update 9:27 a.m. PT: A follow up report from Variety reveals that the deaths of Hackman and Arakawa have been ruled “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation” according to a search warrant affadavit. The warrant goes on to list a number of details leading to that ruling, including multiple healthy dogs on the property in addition to the deceased dog, the front door being unlocked and open, the heater being moved, pills scattered on the floor next to Arakawa, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.
Original story continues:
“We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail,” a statement sent to BBC from the Santa Fe County Sheriff said. “This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.”
Hackman’s career in film began in the 1960s, but he is probably best known for his role as the original live-action Lex Luthor in three of the Christopher Reeve-led Superman movies. The four-film series premiered throughout the late ‘70s and into the late ‘80s, serving as a template for the many comic book movies that would eventually follow in the last two decades.
Hackman’s time on screens big and small extended far beyond the world of comic books, too. The legendary actor’s credits can be traced back to TV series like The Defenders and Brenner. In 1971, he starred in William Friedkin’s The French Connection as Jimmy Doyle, a role that went on to win him an Oscar for Best Actor at the 44th Academy Awards. His second Oscar win – this time for Best Actor in a Supporting role in 1992’s Unforgiven – arrived at the 65th Academy Awards. Hackman retired from film in the mid-2000s.
Fans of Hackman’s work have already taken to social media to share condolences and remember him for the talent he brought to the movie world. Highlights include clips from some of his most memorable scenes as audiences celebrate his impact on actors and filmmakers everywhere.
Gene Hackman’s about as good as it gets, a legend. Could be playful, menacing, could still be so vulnerable under his gruff exterior and he never ever seemed like he was acting, a total natural. Incredible face, incredible hairline, they don’t create stars like him anymore. RIP
— Mr. Chau (@Srirachachau) February 27, 2025
We have lost one of the true giants of the screen. Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on… pic.twitter.com/OfmXVCG0jt
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2025
A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words.
Rest in Peace, Gene Hackman (1930-2025) pic.twitter.com/slchBd1K4K
— Cinema Tweets (@CinemaTweets1) February 27, 2025
Gene Hackman has passed away at 95
Gene going toe to toe with Denzel Washington in Crimson Tide (1995) is one of the most powerful scenes ever filmed. He was an absolute titan of cinema. We’ve lost an icon today.
RIP Gene Hackman pic.twitter.com/tmgMRl7YlL— The Sting (@TheStingisBack) February 27, 2025
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Blogroll image credit: Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
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